Chicago schools CEO Brizard to take listener calls on new WBEZ program

August 4, 2011

It's not often the public gets a chance to speak directly with a key city leader, but not so now if you're a student, teacher, parent or citizen interested in public education in Chicago.

The head of Chicago Public Schools has agreed to appear monthly on WBEZ 91.5FM in a new, live special call-in program about the state of education in the nation's third largest school district.

CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard will join WBEZ hosts for a full hour each month to take questions and comments from listeners via phone, email and Twitter.

The program, called Schools on the Line, debuts Monday, August 8th from 7pm-8pm on WBEZ 91.5 FM and wbez.org. Thereafter, the program will air on the first Thursday of each month.

“I believe strongly in having an open and transparent dialogue with the public and doing so in as many ways as I can, " said Brizard. "Public radio has always been at the forefront of engaging the public in issues of vital importance to our communities, such as education, and I believe this will provide an incredible opportunity for them to hear from me directly about all issues impacting our children’s academic success.”

I'll be hosting the first episode ofSchools on the Line - and we invite you to participate. You can do so, of course, during the live broadcast Monday at 7pm - or by submitting questions and comments in advance.